Welcome to Cozy Wednesday!
It is my pleasure to share my thoughts about
Nancy Coco’s Fudge and Marriage today!
Fudge and Marriage (A Candy-Coated Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
13th in Series
Setting – Mackinac Island, Michigan
Publisher : Kensington Cozies (April 1, 2025)
Print length : 336 pages
ISBN-10 : 1496743725
ISBN-13 : 978-1496743725
Kindle ASIN : B0DB3M4MXX
Only two things might ruin fudge maker Allie McMurphy’s wedding: murder—and her mother . . .
June is always beautiful on Mackinac Island, which is why Allie chose this month for her wedding to police officer Rex Manning—definitely Mackinac Island’s finest in more ways than one. But if her mother has her way, that’s the last choice Allie will get to make. Allie’s the furthest thing from a Bridezilla—but it looks like she has a Momzilla on her hands. Why else have her mother and extended family shown up a full two weeks before the nuptials to drive Allie to dizzying distraction?
Honestly, a murder investigation is far less stressful—and as it happens, Allie just found Velma French dead on the ground beside the rock that killed her, with her rival Myrtle sobbing nearby. Things don’t look good for Myrtle, but all may not be what it seems. Allie vows to solve the crime before she walks down the aisle. But a killer has other ideas—and they seem to be focused on Allie herself . . .
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Fudge maker Allie McMurphy and police officer Rex Manning’s wedding is just a couple of weeks away, and they want all their friends on Mackinac Island to attend, followed by a huge potluck. But Allie’s mother has other ideas. She expects a more fancy affair and has arrived two weeks early, along with her siblings and their spouses, to make sure the event meets her high standards. Everything from Allie’s dress to who can attend has turned her mother into a Momzilla.
While the last thing Rex and Allie need is a murder investigation, that is exactly what they get when Allie finds Velma French outside the library, dead with her bashed in and her friend/enemy Mrytle by her side, not too far from a rock/murder weapon. It isn’t long before Allie, assisted by her senior citizen friends is pulling out the stops to find out who killed Velma. Allie has her hands full, though, with her mother, who is trying to control Allie and her wedding.
Can Allie catch the killer before her wedding day? Or will the killer ruin the whole affair?
As a fan of this series, I have been waiting impatiently for this book to be released. Nancy Coco did not disappoint.
Allie McMurphy usually takes things in stride, finds solutions when needed, and holds her family fudge-making traditions dear. In Fudge and Marriage our protagonist is truly tested. Not only trying to catch a killer, but her mother is driving her absolutely crazy. Her mother is from a “quite rich… millionaire rich family,” and Allie gave up her trust fund to take over the McMurphy. We know Allie’s mother was unhappy with the life her daughter had chosen, and the man she would be marrying, but the woman was off the rails this visit. Thankfully, Allie’s Aunt Ginny is a strong woman in her own right. The author could have created two more different women, and she did an excellent job. I love the relationship that developed between Allie and her Aunt Ginny. I also loved that when her mother and her family went too far, Allie reared up and really stood up for herself, her friends, and Mackinac Island.
The wedding subplot was very well-written. There wasn’t a Bridezilla in the wedding party, but there was surely a Momzilla, and I felt so sorry for Allie. She had the wedding of her dreams planned, but the daily stress from her mother was truly over the top. Her meddling set up an expected surprise for one character that could have gone several ways. I enjoyed the real sense of community throughout the story, but especially as the wedding day arrived.
The mystery was well-plotted with many twists, turns, and suspects. Again, Allie’s bichon/poodle mix Mal makes an important discovery. Everyone, including me, thought we had nailed down the true guilty party until a huge twist turns grave, and Mal propels Allie into a serious showdown. The takedown was great too.
Fudge and Marriage is now my favorite book in this series. The characters are well-crafted and feel true to life. I felt so many emotions as Allie dealt with her mom. The story is one that will make you angry in places, joyful in others, but it will also tug at your heartstrings. The mystery will test you. The ending was perfect in its own way. The entire book was a Perfect Escape! Now I will anxiously wait for Some Like It Fudgy to be released.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
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About the Author
Nancy Coco is the byline chosen by popular author Nancy J. Parra for use exclusively with the Candy-Coated Mysteries series. She also writes the Kensington Palace Chef Mysteries as Nell Hampton. With degrees in engineering, journalism, and a MA in Writing Popular Fiction, Nancy has published in cozy mystery, romantic suspense, and sweet western historical romances.
An Air Force veteran who rose to the rank of sergeant, Nancy is a member of an online group of female veterans who are authors—“Military Women Who Have Turned Sword to Pen.” The group’s website is www.romvets.com.
Nancy is also a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime. She has given workshops on a number of writing topics and enjoys doing author panels at fan conferences such as Malice Domestic and Bouchercon. She lives in California with her dog—a bichonpoo affectionately known as Little Dog on Nancy’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Written as Nell Hampton
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.”
About the Author
